(Linda M. Simone is a Professional Communications student in Professor Howard Gold's class at Farmingdale State.)

Five years and four sorrowful anniversaries have passed since the 9/11 tragedy, yet nothing stands on the site of the Long Island 9/11 Memorial planned for permanent exhibition at Farmingdale State.

Annual services honoring those who perished on that tragic day are held on the campus. The list of over 450 names of Long Islanders lost is read. Though the efforts of the Memorial committee, civic and political leaders and hundreds of Long Islanders continue, the physical monument remains a dream.

The delay is a matter of money, according to Kathryn Coley, director of communications at Farmingdale State, who said the cost of the 9/11 Memorial Project is approximately $10 million.

Ken Dolan, a retired firefighter and vice president of the Long Island 9/11 Memorial Committee, explained, "in order to proceed, we would need to have about 10 percent of the overall cost of the project."

This translates into approximately $1 million. The committee is looking for a lead contributor so the project can advance to the next step.

Funding this project has been a challenge. Bob DeSilva, 9/11 Memorial president said, "we are reaching out, particularly to the business community of Long Island." He said that many are unaware that the project exists.

The Long Island 9/11 Memorial Committee has been accepting donations from individuals, civic groups, foundations and corporations. A good number of Long Island's businesses, social and political leaders have already made personal commitments of time and money to the project. However, the contributions come up short of moving onto the next phase of the project - the bidding process.

Committee members say that the Long Island 9/11 Memorial will serve a unique and vital role for the Long Island Community. They say the combination of volunteer's time, services and financial contributions make this an intensely personal effort for all involved.

"My vision is to one day come to a memorial where our fellow loved ones finally receive the honor they deserve," said De Silva.

The previous phase was selecting a design for the memorial. The committee held a design competition and, out of nine entries, chose that by Long Island architect Patricia O'Neill. She envisions a walk-through timeline of the events of September 11, a reflecting pool, and a meditation garden. O'Neill's plan includes a 12-foot piece of steel salvaged from Ground Zero. The steel, a donation from the Widows' and Victims' Families Association, would appear to float above an outline of Long Island pictured on the surface of the pool.

The second phase entails the renovation of historic Cutler Hall, built in 1914 on the Farmingdale State campus. The refurbished building will serve as a resource center for family, survivors and anyone seeking knowledge about the events of 9/11 and its aftermath.

Dolan described the plan to transport the 12-foot piece of steel and to have it unveiled and prominently displayed on the campus until it becomes part of the memorial. The steel structure will be displayed in the circle by Cutler Hall, hopefully within the next few weeks. Waiting for its permanent home, the steel structure has been in stored at Budco Enterprises in Hauppauge. Bud Simmons, owner of Budco Enterprises, is cleaning the steel remnant and making it safe to put on display. DeSilva anticipates that Congressman Tim Bishop will present the unveiling with other dignitaries present.

To help, contact the 9/11 Memorial Committee, a not-for-profit organization. Donations can be sent to Long Island 9/11 Memorial, c/o North Fork Bank, P.O. Box 28, Laurel, NY 11948-0028. Checks should be made out to The Long Island 9/11 Memorial Committee. For more information visit www.li911memorial.com.